The PSNC has said it has opened talks with the government on the community pharmacy contractual framework for 2019-20 and beyond.

After months of speculation over when negotiations will start, the PSNC confirmed that discussions, which it warned would be “complex,” were underway and would largely focus on how community pharmacy can be best utilised with urgent care, prevention and medicines safety in mind.

The PSNC, whose chief executive Simon Dukes recently expressed a desire to secure a multi-year settlement for community pharmacy, said it expected talks to involve the roll-out of a national minor illnesses referral service via NHS 111 and a pilot referring calls to community pharmacy from general practice and other settings and the future of the Healthy Living Pharmacy initiative, Pharmacy Integration Fund and medicines use reviews.

“We can also expect some challenging discussions on funding and reimbursement,” the PSNC said.

“PSNC is pleased to be able to begin these negotiations, the outcome of which will be absolutely critical for all pharmacy contractors in England,” Dukes said.

“There are going to be some difficult conversations over the coming months but our negotiating team includes experienced PSNC members from both the independent and multiple sectors, so contractors can be assured that we will be well equipped and absolutely committed to getting the best possible deal for community pharmacy.

“Our priority is to seek a sustainable future for community pharmacy to enable us to better utilise the skills and knowledge of pharmacy teams to help people stay well in the community.”